I Detest Bribery; You Will Be Destooled If You Engage In It – Omanhene Cautions Chiefs
The Omanhene of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Odeefo Akyen VIII, has issued a stern warning to newly elevated chiefs within his jurisdiction to shun all acts of bribery, describing it as one of the vices he abhors most.
Speaking during the Eguadoto festival at Ekumfi Ebirem on Wednesday, 13th August 2025, the Omanhene underscored the need for integrity, discipline, and fairness in leadership.
The annual Eguadoto celebration is a revered traditional rite, serving as a form of spiritual purification for the Ekumfi area, as well as a ceremonial welcoming of the new yam harvest before it is consumed by the community.
The occasion also marked the elevation and installation of several divisional chiefs, including Nana Essel Asamanfo Oboadum VII, Mponoahen and Patsirhen of Ekumfi and Ekumfi Essakyir Odzikrow,Nana Amponsah (VII), Odzikrow of Bogyano ; Nana Kwabina Ewusie (II), Tufohen of the Ekumfi Traditional Council; and other distinguished appointees.
In his address, Odeefo Akyen (VIII) urged the newly installed chiefs to uphold the principles of justice and impartiality, advising them to accord equal respect to all, including their own spouses, and to resolve domestic misunderstandings privately.
He emphasized that their new roles carry a sacred obligation to work assiduously towards the socio-economic advancement of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, especially as, according to him, “God is opening unprecedented doors of opportunity” for the land.
The Omanhene further cautioned that any chief found in breach of the oath of secrecy would face immediate destoolment, as confidentiality is paramount in chieftaincy affairs.
He also appealed for concerted efforts to curb the growing menace of teenage pregnancy, which he attributed partly to negligence in parental care.
He concluded by reminding the chiefs that the positions they occupy are not ceremonial decorations but mandates to serve, protect, and develop the community with honesty, dignity, and accountability.”
The newly enstooled Tufuhene of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, Nana Kwabina Ewusi II, has been officially sworn in before Omanhene Odeefo Akyen VIII. During the ceremony, Nana Kwabina Ewusi II made a passionate appeal to the government, the Member of Parliament (MP), and the District Chief Executive (DCE) to prioritize the development of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, especially addressing the *poor road network* that has long hindered progress in the district.
The Tufuhene emphasized the critical role that improved road infrastructure plays in boosting economic activities, such as agriculture and trade, and ensuring access to essential services like healthcare and education. Poor roads have been a persistent challenge for the Ekumfi area, with many communities struggling to transport goods and connect with neighboring towns, particularly during the rainy season ¹ ² ³.
Nana Kwabina Ewusi II’s call aligns with ongoing concerns raised by traditional leaders and residents over the years. For instance, the Ekumfi Immuna community previously boycotted elections to protest their deteriorating roads, showing the depth of frustration among locals ⁴. Additionally, past promises for road rehabilitation, such as the Ekumfi-Eyisam-Narkwa project, highlight the urgent need for action to fulfill these commitments ⁵.
The Tufuhene’s appeal reflects a broader push for sustainable development in Ekumfi, as leaders like Odeefo Akyen VIII and other chiefs continue to advocate for infrastructure improvements to transform the region and uplift its people.
The newly enstooled mputuhene of the Ekumfi Traditional Area and odikro of Ekumfi Asorkwa, Nana Kwabina Ewusi II, was sworn in before Omanhene Odeefo Akyen VIII. Following his enstoolment, Nana Kwabina Ewusi II appealed to the government, the Member of Parliament (MP), and the District Chief Executive (DCE) to address the poor road network in the Ekumfi Traditional Area and urged them to do their utmost to bring development to the district.
By Douglas Oyiboh Amponsah.
